Cogdell Memorial Hospital issued the following announcement on March 19.
To protect the health of our patients and staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, all patients and visitors are required to access Cogdell services through the main entrance and complete screening before proceeding further into the facility.
Please plan to arrive to your appointment 15 minutes earlier than usual to be able to allow time for screening prior to entering the building.
A Cogdell representative at the main entrance will ask a few questions related to symptoms, contact with someone who has had a suspected case or confirmed case of COVID-19 or recent travel to a high-risk area.
This preliminary screening will help us respond to anyone with potential for COVID-19 infection and restrict access to those who may be symptomatic.
- Patients and visitors will receive further directions based on screening results.
- Visitors who have symptoms, have traveled to a high-risk area recently or have been in contact with someone who has a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, will be asked to leave.
- If entrance is granted, a badge indicating the authorized access area(s) is given to the patient and/or visitor.
- Visitors must return the badge when exiting the building before another outpatient or essential visitor may be permitted access.
Additionally, to help keep our patients safe and lower the risk of COVID-19, the following Texas Health and Human Services directives to visitor restrictions have been implemented:
- Visiting hours are restricted from 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.
- No minor family members or visitors, ages 16 and under, will be allowed.
- Only 1 essential visitor¹ per adult patient in hospitals and clinics will be permitted.²
- Essential visitors staying overnight with patients should plan to arrive before 9:00 p.m.
- Health screening procedures are required for all visitors, even in circumstances where a visitor is allowed by exception.
²Case specific exceptions may be made for additional family members of patients at the end of life or presenting at the emergency department, subject to hospital policy.
Delivery of flowers and/or gifts will not be permitted.
We know these restrictions may be difficult for our patients and their loved ones, and we appreciate your support as we take these necessary steps to protect our patients.
Priority Scheduling of Medically-Necessary Appointments and Procedures – Effective March 19, 2020
The following Cogdell services will remain open in order to care for patients who require in-person visits and time sensitive care: Hospital (emergency room, inpatient units, outpatient testing and ambulatory services); Family Clinic (including Walk-In services); Orthopedic Clinic; Rehab; Home Health and Hospice.
Patient appointments will be scheduled in a manner designed to minimize potential exposure for our patients based on risk category.
However, will be rescheduling some patient appointments and elective procedures over the next two weeks in an effort to protect our patients and staff; conserve precious resources such as blood, ventilators and protective equipment for providers; and to prioritize the needs of those who may require immediate care. We are also exploring alternative methods of delivering care and will be working to move some patients to virtual visits and home care, as appropriate. We will contact you directly if your care will be offered in a different way or your outpatient visit, procedure, or surgery is postponed until a later date.
Changes to Services Offered – Effective March 19, 2020
The following Cogdell services will be suspended or substantially restricted until further notice:
- Administration
- Closed to in-person access. Services are available only via phone, fax or e-mail.
- Business Office
- Closed to in-person access. Services are available only via phone, fax or e-mail.
- Cafeteria
- The cafeteria and snack bar at Cogdell will be closed to the community until further notice.
- Cafeteria seating areas are closed to comply with CDC guidelines encouraging people to stay 3-6 feet away from others.
- Room service will be available for patients and authorized visitors on inpatient units.
- Community Relations
- We are canceling all in-person classes and support groups as well as participation at educational events, health fairs, etc. until further notice.
- Gift Shop
- Closed until further notice.
- Human Resources
- Closed to in-person access. Applications may be sent electronically or via mail. Services are available only via phone, fax or e-mail.
- Patient Matters / Financial Assistance
- Closed to in-person access. Applications may be sent electronically or via mail. Services are available only via phone, fax or e-mail.
- Medical Records
- Closed to in-person access. Requests for records may be sent electronically or via mail. Services are available only via phone, fax or e-mail.
- Specialty Clinic
- Closed through April 5, 2020.
- Volunteer Services
- Volunteers are an important part of the Cogdell community; however, for the safety of our volunteers we must cancel all volunteer services and shifts until further notice.
- Wellness Gym
- The Wellness Gym will be closed to the community. Water aerobics classes are cancelled until further notice.
Cogdell remains steadfast in our commitment to serve the healthcare needs of our patients and this community. Your health and safety is our top priority.
While COVID 19 is a new virus, preparing for responses to disasters is not new to hospitals. Emergency preparedness training is a year-round activity that is done within each facility, system and region.
Our team is working closely with leaders from the CDC, the Texas Department of Health, and local health officials to monitor and respond to this evolving situation. We are following CDC guidelines and best practice recommendations to slow the rate of spread of COVID-19 and conserve resources which will in order to protect our patients, community and healthcare team and preserve our ability to delivery safe and effective care.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms of this virus are very similar to other seasonal respiratory ailments like colds and influenza – they can include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Importantly, most patients with COVID-19 have only mild, flu-like and respiratory symptoms and do not require hospitalization.
Evaluation for COVID-19
If you have flu and cold symptoms and suspect it may be coronavirus (COVID-19), STAY HOME and call contact the Scurry County Health Unit at (325) 573-3508 during regular business hours or (325) 574-4929 after hours.
Cogdell has test kits for COVID-19. Your health care provider will follow federal, state and local health authority criteria to determine whether testing is appropriate for you based on your symptoms and exposure history.
What Can I Do to Protect Myself?
STAY HOME!!!
If you have respiratory or flu symptoms, STAY HOME and call your provider’s office. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may provide special instructions or—if appropriate—make arrangements for a virtual visit.
For very severe symptoms like trouble breathing, call 911.
Cogdell is asking this community, our employees and patients to practice social distancing. That means asking people to stay 3-6 feet away from others. The most effective ways to maintain social distance are to:
- Stay home when sick;
- Limit physical contact with others (This means avoiding handshakes, hugs and other physical greetings. It’s hard, so if you forget and shake hands, wash your hands.);
- Avoid crowded areas, when possible;
- Only going to essential places (e.g., grocery story or pharmacy) at non-peak times.
Other ways to prevent the spread of infection include:
- Frequently washing hands (Use soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand gel for at least 20 seconds. If using hand sanitizer, allow it to dry. Do not wipe excess off.) ;
- Using your elbow or a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Cleaning high-touch surfaces and personal items such as cell phones, purses and backpacks frequently; and
- Washing clothes, including outerwear, frequently.
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